The Pittsburgh Steelers are fresh off a season in which they secured 10 victories and clinched a playoff spot despite cycling through three different quarterbacks. While a quick exit from the postseason may not seem like an impressive feat, given the team’s offensive struggles, expectations were significantly lower. Surprisingly, the Steelers appear unlikely to pursue another seasoned quarterback who could compete for the starting position next season, considering the challenges they faced at the QB position in 2023.
Although Kenny Pickett was drafted to succeed Ben Roethlisberger, the transition has not gone as smoothly as head coach Mike Tomlin and the front office had anticipated. This has led to a division of loyalties within the organization, particularly after Mason Rudolph went undefeated as the starter late in the season, helping Pittsburgh secure a playoff berth. In December, Roethlisberger further fueled the fire by commenting on his time as Rudolph’s teammate.
“When Mason played for me, I did everything I could to assist him,” Roethlisberger shared on his podcast “Footbahlin'” on Dec. 31. “However, he eventually stopped seeking my help, so I backed off,” Roethlisberger revealed.
Setting aside these comments, the Steelers are already facing a quarterback battle for the upcoming season, even though the new NFL year has yet to officially commence. Let’s not forget that Mitchell Trubisky was also involved previously, starting a couple of games last season, albeit with losing outcomes. Both Pickett and Rudolph concluded the season with winning records as QB1 for Pittsburgh.
While Rudolph has been with the Steelers for a considerable amount of time and has performed well, his tenure has been prolonged. He was selected in the third round of the 2018 draft from Oklahoma State. Although it is supposed to be Pickett’s time, some argue that he has not fully taken charge of the offense in the eyes of certain individuals, despite winning games.
Midway through the season, Pittsburgh took a step in the right direction by parting ways with former offensive coordinator Matt Canada. Their offense had been stagnant and underperforming for quite some time. However, despite this change, some believe that the Steelers are not adequately prepared for the future in terms of their quarterback situation. While Rudolph excelled in the latter part of the season and Pickett is seen as the chosen one, sometimes it is necessary to go against convention and consider a veteran quarterback who might offer a better chance of success.
The Steelers have built a reputation for their defense and running game. While their defense remains formidable, relying solely on it to secure victories each week is no longer a viable strategy. They need a quarterback who can carry the team on his back multiple times throughout the season, someone who can consistently make plays even in adverse circumstances. This quarterback does not necessarily have to be in the top five, but falling within the 10-15 range, coupled with a stellar defense and capable running game, can lead to success.
Adhering to the same formula implemented by Tomlin and his team in 2023 will make it challenging to make a playoff run. In the competitive AFC North division and a deep conference, not having a reliable quarterback for every game will only make matters tougher. If there is a division within the franchise regarding Pickett and Rudolph, it becomes difficult to have confidence heading into the 2024 campaign.
There are experienced quarterbacks available, such as Kirk Cousins and Ryan Tannehill. Tannehill is likely to be lower on the list compared to Cousins, but the latter is recovering from an Achilles tear, raising uncertainty about his performance upon his return at the age of 35. Tannehill, too, seems to be nearing the end of his career, although he might be able to challenge the younger players during training camp. Another option is Baker Mayfield, who had a remarkable comeback year in Tampa Bay and is not even 30 years old.
Therefore, while there are seasoned quarterbacks available, their impact is not guaranteed. If the Steelers are not considering bringing in an experienced arm, they must be certain that they already have the right quarterback within their ranks. Whether it is Rudolph or Pickett, one of them needs to step up and seize the spotlight, leaving no doubt in Tomlin’s mind moving forward.
According to the Source deadspin.com